Hi Simbo65
I think if you want the other hog to move in, nearby is ideal. I do have a hogilo, but under bushes, so not certain how much it’s used. I have it wedged under the branches of the bush at the back and fixed the front down using wire pegged down either side with, something like tent pegs – just so that a dog or other predator can’t tip it up. You could use wire and tent peg (or similar) at the back too. Mine is straight on to the earth so that they can dig a hollow if they wish. Also sheltered from rain by the bush (evergreen), but I’m not sure how well waterproofed they are otherwise – some people put extra plastic on the top. To be honest, I think if I was going to get something else, I think I’d get a proper box – so much easier to clean out, etc.
Not sure whether the poor strimmed hog is male or female yet, never saw her with enough other hogs to be sure and at the Wildlife Hospital it was more important to treat the injury – a hog is a hog. When I had her, she just looked as if she permanently had her eyes shut. I haven’t asked again about them, yet. They are always so busy and, again the injury was the main concern. But if she survived through winter and not just survived, but flourished, she was obviously capable of surviving despite her eyes. If only someone had been more careful when they were strimming.
Yes, I did find her. She had missed a few nights, but came for food – which was a good sign – and in the night. So she wasn’t out during the day. Thankfully she had been well fed and healthy previously. Luckily I saw her (rather than being on video) at a reasonably civilised time of night. I so didn’t like having to shut the poor thing up, but am pretty sure she wouldn’t have survived without help. I’ll let you know if I hear any news, but, if she hopefully survives, it will take quite a while for such a deep wound to heal enough for her to come back. (couldn’t be stitched as it was already too old) I’m told they have had quite a lot of success with strimmer injuries, so just have to continue to hope.
